Sohini Das, Shine Jacob

Stories by Sohini Das, Shine Jacob

TN CM Vijay carries forward DMK govt-initiated Rs 38,000-crore Hyundai project

TN CM Vijay carries forward DMK govt-initiated Rs 38,000-crore Hyundai project

Rediff.com   19 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu's new government, led by C Joseph Vijay, is committed to advancing the ~38,000 crore shipbuilding project with HD Hyundai in Thoothukudi, securing bipartisan support from the Opposition DMK, despite initial industry concerns about policy continuity after the change in leadership.

Mercedes open to expanding plug-in hybrids for more models

Mercedes open to expanding plug-in hybrids for more models

Rediff.com   18 Jun 2026

Mercedes-Benz India is exploring a larger role for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in its portfolio, with plans to potentially introduce the technology in more models beyond the newly launched S-Class plug-in hybrid. This strategy aims to cater to luxury car buyers who are hesitant about fully electric vehicles due to concerns over charging infrastructure and range.

Tamil Nadu Debt Nearly Doubles to 10 Trillion in Five Years

Tamil Nadu Debt Nearly Doubles to 10 Trillion in Five Years

Rediff.com   18 Jun 2026

A new white paper released by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government reveals that Tamil Nadu's direct debt has nearly doubled to an alarming 10 trillion in the past five years, exposing significant fiscal strain and a substantial debt burden on every citizen.

Mahindra & Mahindra shifts focus beyond tractors to boost future growth

Mahindra & Mahindra shifts focus beyond tractors to boost future growth

Rediff.com   15 Jun 2026

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is expanding its farm equipment strategy beyond tractors to include a wider range of mechanisation solutions like harvesters, balers, seed drills, and telematics-enabled services, aiming to capitalise on the growing demand for rental services by rural entrepreneurs and address low mechanisation levels in Indian agriculture.

Born in Tamil Nadu, Made for the World: Hyundai to make TN its EV hub

Born in Tamil Nadu, Made for the World: Hyundai to make TN its EV hub

Rediff.com   10 Jun 2026

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) announced plans to make Tamil Nadu its 'flagship EV hub for India', committing over 26,000 crore in investment, enhancing localisation, and creating approximately 2,000 additional jobs over the next five to six years. The company will roll out two new EV models from its Chennai facility this year, including its first mass-market dedicated EV.

EV Adoption Rises As West Asia Crisis Makes Fuel Costly

EV Adoption Rises As West Asia Crisis Makes Fuel Costly

Rediff.com   9 Jun 2026

Fuel prices have risen by about Rs 7.5 per litre since May 15, as global crude oil prices surged due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and supply concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.

India Inc Battles Rising Gulf War Costs

India Inc Battles Rising Gulf War Costs

Rediff.com   9 Jun 2026

Companies are already diversifying sourcing, raising prices, and reworking operating models as the disruption drags on.

Tata Motors' CV arm shifts focus to services, digital biz for growth

Tata Motors' CV arm shifts focus to services, digital biz for growth

Rediff.com   8 Jun 2026

Tata Motors' commercial vehicle business is increasingly focusing on parts, services, connected-vehicle platforms, and digital businesses to drive growth and reduce dependence on cyclical vehicle sales, as outlined in its FY26 annual report.

Indian Pharma Firms Deepen US Investment in Specialty Drugs Amidst Generic Pressure

Indian Pharma Firms Deepen US Investment in Specialty Drugs Amidst Generic Pressure

Rediff.com   2 Jun 2026

Indian pharmaceutical companies are strategically increasing investments in the US market, focusing on specialty drugs, complex generics, respiratory products, and local manufacturing, despite a nearly 10 per cent fall in exports to the US in FY26 due to pricing pressure and competition in traditional generics.

Sedans Hold Ground In Luxury Market Despite SUV Wave

Sedans Hold Ground In Luxury Market Despite SUV Wave

Rediff.com   2 Jun 2026

While SUVs have steadily gained share across the industry, data shows that nearly three in 10 luxury vehicles sold in India are sedans, highlighting the segment's resilience despite years of SUV-led growth.

Maruti Suzuki's mini-car sales jump 147% in April-May as production eases

Maruti Suzuki's mini-car sales jump 147% in April-May as production eases

Rediff.com   2 Jun 2026

Maruti Suzuki India reported a significant 147 per cent year-on-year increase in mini-car sales (Alto and S-Presso) during April-May 2026, reaching 32,341 units, driven by eased production constraints and a surge in demand for CNG vehicles amidst rising fuel prices.

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

Rediff.com   23 May 2026

South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.

TVS Venu Group to bolster financial services presence with Jana SFB stake

TVS Venu Group to bolster financial services presence with Jana SFB stake

Rediff.com   19 May 2026

TVS Venu Group has agreed to acquire a minority stake of up to 9.9 per cent in Jana Small Finance Bank, including a 4.9 per cent ownership by TVS Motor Company, through a combination of primary issuance of warrants and a secondary purchase.

Why Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Wants Niece Claire To Take Over

Why Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Wants Niece Claire To Take Over

Rediff.com   18 May 2026

'Leadership is about understanding how a business works, how it is shaped, built, and expanded.'

Despite global risks, top Indian carmakers bullish on FY27 domestic demand

Despite global risks, top Indian carmakers bullish on FY27 domestic demand

Rediff.com   18 May 2026

India's leading passenger vehicle manufacturers are significantly increasing investments and factory capacities, alongside planning major product launches for FY27, driven by strong confidence in sustained domestic demand growth despite global geopolitical tensions and supply chain risks.

TaMo PV profit slumps 32% on JLR headwinds

TaMo PV profit slumps 32% on JLR headwinds

Rediff.com   15 May 2026

Tata Motors' MD and CEO, Girish Wagh, has identified rising diesel prices as the most significant threat to India's commercial vehicle (CV) industry recovery, despite the sector recently surpassing its pre-FY19 wholesale peak. Diesel costs account for 25-50% of a truck operator's total cost of ownership, making any increase a critical concern for fleet economics.

Soaring LPG Costs May Force Restaurant To Hike Prices

Soaring LPG Costs May Force Restaurant To Hike Prices

Rediff.com   13 May 2026

'If 5% of the total revenue was spent on LPG (pre-war), it is now expected to double. The overall food cost in restaurants is expected to rise by 4-6%.'

Vijay's Election Triumph Set To Revive Jana Nayagan Release

Vijay's Election Triumph Set To Revive Jana Nayagan Release

Rediff.com   12 May 2026

Vijay's electoral triumph in Tamil Nadu is poised to dramatically revive the fortunes of his much-anticipated final film, Jana Nayagan, which has been plagued by release delays, censorship battles, and a cancelled streaming deal.

Biocon eyes in-licensing to boost biosimilars portfolio, targets margin expansion

Biocon eyes in-licensing to boost biosimilars portfolio, targets margin expansion

Rediff.com   9 May 2026

Biocon is actively seeking in-licensing opportunities to expand its biosimilars portfolio, focusing on products that complement existing therapy areas, as the company shifts to a 'consolidate' phase with a strong emphasis on improving capacity utilisation, expanding margins, and driving return on capital employed.

Bajaj Auto gears up for festival season with new Pulsar models

Bajaj Auto gears up for festival season with new Pulsar models

Rediff.com   8 May 2026

Bajaj Auto is set to launch new Pulsar motorcycles in the 125cc and 150-250cc segments in Q2 FY27, aiming to capitalise on the upcoming festival season surge. This move follows strong growth in the 150cc-plus segment, where refreshed Pulsar models already account for over 50 per cent of Bajaj's sales.